Thousands of people have marched in Melbourne following the murder of Irish woman Jill Meagher.

The crowd walked through the suburb of Brunswick carrying placards calling for peace in society.

Some in the crowd carried single white roses. Others marched with photographs of Ms Meagher.

Brunswick residents voiced their concern about the death of the 29-year-old.

"I'm worried about my kids. They're young; they're growing up in this society. I send a message also to the authorities: 'Get tough on this. We've had enough of it'. She's lost her life over this and it shouldn't have happened," said one local father.

Another Melbourne resident said: "We just feel so much for everybody else. It could have happened to anybody and it's very distressing. I don't want Jill's death to be in vain."

Ms Meagher's body was found in a shallow grave behind a dirt track on the city's outskirts.

Ms Meagher was killed after a night out with work colleagues

Police have charged Adrian Ernest Bayley, 41, from the Melbourne suburb of Coburg, with the rape and murder of the young Irish woman.

Ms Meagher worked for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and was last seen about 1.30am on September 22.

Her body was found early on Friday about 30 miles northwest of central Melbourne.

Jill and her husband Thomas Meagher moved to Melbourne from Ireland three years ago.

Earlier this week, Mr Meagher thanked the Australian public for its support following his wife’s disappearance.

"I’ve been really humbled by the support of the Australian public and the tireless efforts of the police and all the friends and family that have put their lives on hold to help us out," he said.